Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) — The Kentucky Derby is one of the United States' most celebrated sporting events, and Gulf Coast residents will have several ways to join the fun this year. Three venues in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach will host watch parties this weekend. Fans can expect live music, themed cocktails, costume contests, and big-screen race coverage.

The 151st running of the Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The main race is set to begin at 5:57 p.m. Central Time. The Derby is the first leg of horse racing's prestigious Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.

The Kentucky Derby has been held every year since 1875, making it the United States' longest-running major sporting event. It is often called "The Run for the Roses" because the winning horse is draped in a blanket of red roses. The race covers 1.25 miles and typically lasts about 2 minutes. Millions of people watch it on television each year.

The Triple Crown is awarded to any horse that wins all three races — the Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont — in the same year. It is one of the rarest achievements in all of sports. The last horse to win the Triple Crown was Justify in 2018. Before Justify, American Pharoah accomplished the feat in 2015, ending a 37-year drought.

CoastAL Restaurant in Orange Beach is hosting a Kentucky Derby Party on May 2 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 25722 Perdido Beach Blvd. The event will feature live music, handcrafted cocktails, and a special menu in a beachside setting. Guests are encouraged to dress in their best Derby attire and compete for prizes. The Best Dressed Duo will win a full-day pontoon rental from Flora-Bama. CoastAL is also offering a $300 gift card from The Orange Beach Store for the best Derby hat worn by a female guest. The best Derby hat worn by a male guest will earn a $300 gift card from CoastAL Orange Beach. The event promises a stylish, festive atmosphere for race fans of all ages. Click here for more information.

Ice House Pub in Gulf Shores is also getting in on the Derby Day action with a full afternoon and evening of entertainment. Tim Roberts' Trio will perform live as guests gather to watch the race. The pub plans to broadcast the race on all 14 of its televisions. Trent Brownlee will take the stage from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. to keep the party going after the race. The Ice House Pub is located at 112 Windmill Ridge Road, Gulf Shores, AL 36542. Click here for more information. 

Tee Off at The Wharf is hosting what it calls the ultimate Derby Day Par-Tee, with games and raffles starting at 2 p.m. Guests can watch the race on all screens, including the Portside screen, and enjoy Derby-inspired cocktails and drink specials throughout the day. The Swing Suites will be open for a premium watch-party experience. Organizers encourage guests to dress in hats, linen, and their best Derby outfits. Tee Off at The Wharf is also raffling a premium Titleist golf bag, sponsored by Woodford Reserve and courtesy of United Distributors of Alabama. The raffle will take place after the main race concludes. No purchase is necessary to enter, but guests must be present to win. The venue is located at The Wharf in Orange Beach. Click here for more information. 

Whether guests prefer a beachside cocktail party, a lively pub atmosphere, or a golf-themed watch party, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores have something for every Derby fan on May 2. All three events offer a chance to celebrate one of America's oldest and most beloved sporting traditions on the Gulf Coast.